In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Bill Bruner, CEO and co-founder of New Frontier Frontier Aerospace.  They discuss New Frontier Aerospace's vision of a reusable rocket-based mach-8 hypersonic suborbital cargo system. The discussion covers the Space Force doctrine, X-15, DC-X, seams in air and space power projection, Space Tourism's recent successes with Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, equity concerns with billionaire rocket programs and their answer, Space Force's Rocket Cargo program, China's hypersonic program, the movement and settlement of space, commercial roles, the drive of commercial space to make humanity multiplanetary, advanced space propulsion, and next steps for U.S. space policy.

Bill Bruner:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-bruner-490b098

https://dbb.defense.gov/Members/Bill-Bruner/

New Frontier Aerospace

https://www.nfaero.com/

National Security Implications of Inexpensive Space Access

https://fas.org/spp/eprint/bruner.htm

FAST Space Study

https://www.thespacereview.com/article/3193/1

https://www.maxwell.af.mil/News/Display/Article/2384716/acsc-schriever-space-scholars-expands-to-meet-demand-for-space-studies/

Rocket Cargo:

https://www.afrl.af.mil/News/Article/2646782/department-of-the-air-force-announces-fourth-vanguard-program/

https://www.airforcemag.com/rocket-cargo-air-force-fourth-vanguard/

https://www.defensedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/post_attachment/157919.pdf

Chinese Hypersonics (airbreathing):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzNhrUQ_Qls

Al Globus' High Frontier: An Easier Way

https://www.amazon.com/High-Frontier-Easier-Way-ebook/dp/B07FYWM41W

NASA Nuclear Thermal:

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-announces-nuclear-thermal-propulsion-reactor-concept-awards

DARPA Nuclear Thermal:

https://www.darpa.mil/program/demonstration-rocket-for-agile-cislunar-operations

Dusty Plasma Fission Fragment Rocket Engine:

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/718391main_Werka_2011_PhI_FFRE.pdf

X-15

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/60th/x-15/

DC-X

https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/dc-x-the-nasa-rocket-that-inspired-spacex-and-blue-origin

AFWERX

https://afwerx.com/

In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Dr. M.V. "Coyote" Smith, a leading intellectual father of the Space Force, spacepower advocate, and professor of strategic studies at the Department of Spacepower's Schriever Scholars, where he educates America's Future Space Strategists. They discuss the Schriever Scholars Strategy Seminar, the increasing strategic importance of space, and space as a domain of commerce. They explore the needs and rationale for the Space Force and the continued need to drive toward full departmental independence. Dr. Smith provides an overview of spacepower theory and book recommendations for those interested in spacepower. They also touch on advanced propulsion, active debris removal, space solar power and planetary defense. They examine the value of bold, risk-taking leadership, and its role in innovative thought such as the NSSO Space Solar Power report and Fast Space Report. Finally, they outline the expanded roles and mission, actions available to the Administration and Congress, and the long-term mission of the Space Force.

Coyote:

The Grand Vision:

America Needs a Space Corps

Avoiding the Dragon's Trap (national debt & space resources

Schriever Scholars

Space Solar Power Study

SSPIDR

SSP Library

FAST Space Study

Billion Year Plan

AFRL's new Primer on Cislunar Space:

Rocket Cargo:

In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews General James Cartwright, Harold Brown Chair in Defense Policy Studies for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, former commander of USSTRATCOM, and former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They discuss the Atlantic Council's The Future of Security in Space report, and why a 30-year vision and strategy is a necessity. They also touch on the massive shifts in scale and focus, and the movement from discovery-centric to commerce-centric approaches and architectures, and the role policy and the military can play to promote a rules-based order. They explore the necessity of taking a Cislunar approach, and the posture necessary to leverage the private sector to remain competitive. They examine re-usable space logistics architectures including rocket cargo, and the imperative for the Secretary of the Air Force to work the seam between Air and Space to make sure requirements allow interoperability and transit between the two domains. They assess who has agency in the Joint Requirements System to build the architecture of tomorrow. Gen Cartwright provides insights on how USSPACECOM will be a supported domain and how space is unique and different because of our reliance on machines and eventually AI. Finally, Gen Cartwright stresses the importance for the nation to focus on the transition to a commerce-centric approach to the Space domain and the critical role of the Space Force in supporting commerce.

General Cartwright:

https://www.csis.org/people/james-e-cartwright

OpEd:

https://breakingdefense.com/2021/03/the-space-rush-new-us-strategy-must-bring-order-regulation/

Atlantic Council Report:

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/TheFutureofSecurityinSpace.pdf

USCC testimony (starting page 13):

https://www.uscc.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/April%2025%202019%20Hearing%20Transcript.pdf

Work on Space Domain Awareness to Cislunar:

https://www.afrl.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2002556344/mediaid/4752579/

Work to extend PNT to Cislunar:

https://www.xplore.com/press/releases/2020/04.06.2020_xplore_receives_usaf_award.html

AFRL's new Primer on Cislunar Space:

https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/RV/A%20Primer%20on%20Cislunar%20Space_Dist%20A_PA2021-1271.pdf?ver=vs6e0sE4PuJ51QC-15DEfg%3d%3d

Rocket Cargo:

https://www.airforcemag.com/rocket-cargo-air-force-fourth-vanguard/

https://www.defensedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/post_attachment/157919.pdf

In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Joel Sercel, Founder and CEO of TransAstra Corporation. They discuss TransAstra's plans for Space Logistics, including the placement and servicing of as many as 100,000 satellites in LEO, its flex-fuel Omnivore solar-thermal engine, its broader architecture for Asteroid mining, and approach to agile engineering. They discuss how water is the ultimate future-proof safe bet for space logistics, the coming age of mega-sats in GEO, human spaceflight, the wealth and carrying capacity of the Asteroid belt, and the ultimate big picture of spreading Earth life. They discuss the specifics of asteroid mining and Lunar mining for water ice, the different scales of ambition between NASA and the private sector, and the need for NASA and Space Force to leverage the private sector to enable efficiencies approaching 10x. Joel provides a grand vision of our future, and lays out the key roles for NASA, FAA, Commerce, and Space Force. They also discuss the threats of Coronal Mass Ejections and Asteroid strikes -- and how TransAstra's Sutter Telescope network and Apis architecture could provide solutions.

Joel Sercel info:

https://spacesettlementsummit2019.nss.org/home/speakers/joel-sercel/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelsercel/

TransAstra:

https://www.transastracorp.com/

TransAstra Video Gallery (where you can see the architecture & optical mining):

https://www.transastracorp.com/gallery

Stepping Stones Study:

http://spaceref.biz/commercial-space/report-stepping-stones-economic-analysis-of-space-transportation-supplied-from-neo-resources.html

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/eso_final_report.pdf

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/eso_final_report_1.pdf

http://fiso.spiritastro.net/telecon16-18/Sercel_8-16-17/Sercel_8-16-17.pdf

Sunflower / Lunar Propellant Mining Outpost:

https://www.transastracorp.com/lunar-power-generation

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/niac/2020_Phase_I_Phase_II/Lunar_Polar_Propellant_Mining_Outpost/

http://fiso.spiritastro.net/telecon/Sercel_1-20-21/

Fast Space Study:

https://www.defensedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/post_attachment/157919.pdf

Sutter Telescope Network:

https://www.transastracorp.com/sutter-survey

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/niac/2017_Phase_I_Phase_II/Gold_Rush_in_Space/

In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews China expert Dr. Oriana Skylar Mastro. They discuss how China views space, why space is key to any military conflict, and Taiwan in particular, how China is incentivized to attack U.S. space assets, and Chinese lines of anti-satellite research. Oriana discusses China's approach to negotiation, deterrence, diplomacy, and inducements; the potential for misunderstanding and escalation in targeting U.S. space assets; and the considerations that impact U.S.-China space cooperation. She also explains how freedom in space is critical to avoiding foreign dependence and how the U.S. must build both a resilient military space architecture and must not surrender global leadership in pursuing aspirational and inspirational space goals.

Oriana:

https://www.orianaskylarmastro.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oriana-skylar-mastro-0442779/

The Taiwan Temptation

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/china/2021-06-03/china-taiwan-war-temptation

In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews General Steve "Bucky" Butow, Director of the Space Portfolio at the Defense Innovation Unit.  They discuss DIU's efforts to leverage the commercial sector to build dual-use logistics, infrastructure, and make use of space commodities.  They discuss the importance of the Space Domain, the coming revolution in access & human presence, the richness of the Moon as Earth's 8th Continent, how U.S. space primacy is in jeopardy -- and what is at stake.

Gen Butow:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-butow-32724a27/

https://www.diu.mil/team/Steven-Butow

DIU Space

https://www.diu.mil/solutions/portfolio#Space

Multi-Orbit Logistics

https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/02/05/the-pentagon-wants-a-roadside-assistance-service-in-space/

https://blog.executivebiz.com/2020/02/diu-seeks-vehicles-fuel-depots-for-space-logistics/

Outpost

https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/07/16/defense-innovation-unit-issues-contract-for-unmanned-orbital-outpost/

http://spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=52649

Remote Sensing

https://insidedefense.com/insider/diu-seeks-commercial-remote-sensing-technology

SETI Institute

https://www.seti.org/about

Space Futures Workshop

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1101899.pdf

State of the Space Industrial Base 2020

https://cdn.afresearchlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/27223753/State-of-the-Space-Industrial-Base-2020-Report_July-2020_FINAL.pdf

In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews Josh Carlson, author of Spacepower Ascendant.  They discuss spacepower theory, space development theory, Space Force roles and missions, US-China competition, and why the Space Force needs a broad vision.

Josh:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-carlson-19ba0167/

Josh's Book Spacepower Ascendant

https://www.amazon.com/Spacepower-Ascendant-Development-Theory-Strategy-ebook/dp/B08BY52LFN

Space Force Journal

https://spaceforcejournal.org/

Dr. Goswami's Testimony on China

https://www.uscc.gov/sites/default/files/Namrata%20Goswami%20USCC%2025%20April.pdf

Space Force Advertisement:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXtkq07oUaM

Space Futures Workshop 2060 Report

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1101899.pdf

China's Space Solar Power Plan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhgJwnpYRGc

Planetary Defense:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7KAsv57Rpw

Where Starship Could take US:

https://warontherocks.com/2021/05/a-starcruiser-for-space-force-thinking-through-the-imminent-transformation-of-spacepower/

Dr. Ziarnick's Book

https://www.amazon.com/Developing-National-Power-Space-Theoretical/dp/0786494999

Dr. Dolman's Book

https://www.amazon.com/Astropolitik-Classical-Geopolitics-Strategy-History/dp/0714681970

Dr. Goswami's Book

https://www.amazon.com/Scramble-Skies-Competition-Control-Resources/dp/1498583113

In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews Kara Cunzeman, a thought leader and Futurist at The Aerospace Corporation.  They discuss strategic foresight, multiple futures, anticipatory policymaking, acquisition reform, and space guard missions including planetary defense and rescue. Kara calls for a more aspirational tone, and enumerates how the National Space Council, Space Force, and NASA have opportunities to plant seeds for an abundant future.

Kara Cunzeman bio:

https://aerospace.org/person/kara-c-cunzeman#:~:text=Kara%20Cunzeman%20is%20a%20senior,Strategy%20at%20The%20Aerospace%20Corporation.&text=Prior%20to%20working%20at%20Aerospace,at%20Raytheon%20and%20General%20Atomics.

Pathfinder's Guide to the Space Enterprise

https://aerospace.org/aerospace-presents-pathfinders-guide-space-enterprise

Space Force's Space Futures Workshop

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1101899.pdf

Strategic Foresign

https://aerospace.org/paper/strategic-foresight-addressing-uncertainty-long-term-strategic-planning

Agenda 2021

https://aerospace.org/SA2021

Aerospace Space Policy Show

https://aerospace.org/thespacepolicyshow

Herman Kahn's

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19780004167/downloads/19780004167.pdf

Avi Loeb's book Extraterrestrial on Oumuamua

https://www.amazon.com/Extraterrestrial-First-Intelligent-Beyond-Earth/dp/0358278147

Solar Gravity Lens Mission

https://aerospace.org/article/solar-gravity-lens-looks-exoplanets

Space Force S&T Spending

https://www.afpc.org/uploads/documents/Defense_Technology_Briefing_-_Issue_23.pdf

In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews John Mankins. They discuss John's ambitious prediction for 2045, and what steps the United States must take to keep pace with global competition--both technically and diplomatically. John explains the value of the Moon, the possibility and desirability of Space-Based Solar Power satellites, the proliferation of reusable space transportation, and emerging roles for the Space Force. John outlines the state of international competition and potential Space Policy Directives to keep the US on track.

John Mankins

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mankins-a89a7130/

Space Solar Power

https://space.nss.org/space-solar-power/

John's Book: The Case for Space Solar Power

https://www.amazon.com/Case-Space-Solar-Power-ebook/dp/B00HNZ0Z96

ESA 2025 Vision

https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Introducing_ESA_Agenda_2025

Moon Village Association

https://moonvillageassociation.org/

National Space Society Development & Settlement Vision

https://space.nss.org/nss-statement-of-philosophy/

Global Lunar Space Exploration (GLEX)

https://www.iafastro.org/events/global-series-conferences/glex-2021/

John's companies: Solar Space Technologies

https://www.solarspacetechnologies.com.au/

Artemis innovation:

http://www.artemisinnovation.com/aboutus.html

Kepler Space Institute:

https://keplerspaceinstitute.com/our_team/jmankins/

In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews spacepower theorist Dr. Brent Ziarnick.  In this marathon discussion, they cover the origins of Space Force, the foundations of spacepower theory, the founding and curriculum of the Space Force's Schriever Scholar Strategy Seminar, "bluewater" and "brownwater" philosophies of spacepower, the criticality of rank and reserves to agility and boldness, the military utility of heavy re-usable lift like Starship, the possibility of Space Force Astronauts, the grand destiny of American spacefaring, strategic will, and what the Space Force must "be prepared to" do.

Schriever Scholars Strategy Seminar

https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/ACSC/Display/Article/1688390/schriever-scholars-program/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMOmjh-v358

Space Force Journal (SFJ) and Dr. Ziarnick's Guide to Spacepower

https://spaceforcejournal.org/a-practical-guide-for-spacepower-strategy/

Book: Developing National Power in Space

https://www.amazon.com/Developing-National-Power-Space-Theoretical/dp/0786494999

Strategic Vision and Futures

https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/460469-the-space-force-strategic-vision-emerges

Bluewater & Brownwater Spacepower Philosophies & the Battle for the Soul of the Space Force

https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/458509-the-battle-for-the-soul-of-the-space-force

https://ndiatvc.org/images/downloads/SMDWG_September_2019/2019_sept_ndia_ziarnick_space_lecture.pdf

Ranks

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/26/space-corps-naval-rank-1433541

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/07/space-force-brent-ziarnick-392297

The Importance of the Reserves Reserve

https://www.airforcetimes.com/opinion/commentary/2021/04/20/space-force-reserve-too-important-to-be-dictated-by-active-duty/

Book: To Rule the Skies: General Thomas Power and the Rise of the Strategic Air Command in the Cold war

https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Skies-Strategic-Military-Aviation/dp/1682475875